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Chocolate Labrador Retriever Puppy

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Why would you want a chocolate Labrador Retriever?

That's a question that I often ask myself, as I receive various requests for information about them.

Having been involved with Labrador Retrievers for many years now, and having also observed numerous Labrador Retrievers, including chocolate, I find it difficult to justify the additional price often charged for chocolate Labrador Retrievers.

The yellow and black Labrador Retrievers have been bred now for many, many, years. And they seem to be a very different (and nicer) dog to me than the chocolate Labrador Retrievers.

This opinion is also shared with various other Labrador Breeders to whom I have spoken.

Some Labrador Breeders have felt that the 'gene pool' for the chocolate Labradors is much smaller than those of the yellow and black Labradors. And this smaller gene pool, could contribute to more inbreeding etc and/or maximum inbreeding depression (which is the opposite to hybrid vigor).

This certainly seems to make sense to me, and I can't see why this wouldn't be the case?

From my personal experience, the vast majority of the chocolate Labrador Retrievers seem to me to be different to the yellow and black Labrador Retrievers, not only physically (obviously their color, but other elements also), but also in respect of their temperament, etc.

Some of the chocolate Labrador Retrievers that I have observed have had temperaments etc more like kelpies etc than Labradors. And some of the chocolate Labrador Retrievers I have observed have had temperaments etc with a combination of being very shy, fearful, etc combined with aggression (seemingly through a heightened sense of fear).

Also, I have seen chocolate Labradors with hereditary diseases, such as ectropion, which is a defect with their eyes which involves their eyelid being lose or turning outwards, which increases risks of foreign bodies (such as grass seeds, etc) being able to get under their eyelid/s. This in turn can then cause other health problems etc, which may need Veterinary attention.

Another eye condition, which is also accepted as being hereditary, is entropion, which is the opposite to ectropion. With entropion, the eyelid turns inwards, and can irritate the eye by (for example) the eye-lashed rubbing against the eye.

Some Veterinarians will operate on the eyelid/s to remove the defective part, in order to try and reduce the associated risks or health problems. But, of course, dogs with these problems should not be used for breeding, in my opinion (and that of some Vets) as they may produce offspring with the same or similar eye problems etc.

However, there are some Labrador breeders of chocolate Labradors who knowingly continue to breed from Labradors that have hereditary eye problem, and produce offspring with problems.

I know of cases that have even been reported to the appropriate controlling body (eg Royal NSW Canine Council, now trading as Dogs NSW), and to the best of my knowledge, nothing has been done to prevent the reported Labrador breeders from continuing to breed from defective breeding animals, and producing defective offspring, which they sell to the unsuspecting public!

There have also been cases of the President (at the time) of the NSW Labrador Retriever Club 'endorsing' a Labrador Breeder that was using defective breeding Labradors and producing defective puppies.

Please don't assume that ALL chocolate Labradors are defective etc, as I am certainly NOT suggesting this. But I certainly believe that generally, I would prefer a yellow or black Labrador over a chocolate Labrador, and that if I had to have a chocolate Labrador, then I would do a LOT of research etc about the parents, their health and temperament, etc before accepting it.

Chocolate Labrador Retriever Puppy

The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the United States so there are lots of good things to say about them. They will do ok in an apartment as long as they can be walked frequently. They do like lots of exercise. If it is possible for them to experience water occasionally, so much the better as they have a water resistant coat and love to swim. A properly fenced in yard is best for them. They love people and do well with other dogs and pets, especially if socialized early. They can be good watch dogs. They need to be part of a human family so please do not neglect that requirement or they can become destructive. They are great with children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Labrador Retriever is 22 to 24 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 60 to 75 pounds. The female ranges from 21 to 24 inches to the withers and 55 to 70 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Labrador Retriever is no exception. Even though this is considered a hardy breed, be on the lookout for Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), epilepsy (comes in various degrees and is common in dogs), skin allergies, eye disorders and skin tumors. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Labrador Retriever has a double coat of short, hard, dense and straight hair which is water repellent. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

*Life Span. The Labrador Retriever can live between 10 and 12 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Labrador Retriever comes from Canada where they were used by fisherman to help collect netted fish and also by hunters to retrieve ducks and other water fowl. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1917.

Some Registries:

*Labrador Retriever Club, Inc.

*UKC United Kennel Club

*NKC National Kennel Club

*CKC Continental Kennel Club

*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.

*AKC American Kennel Club

*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale

*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club

*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain

*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club

*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 7 to 8 Labrador Retriever puppies

Category: Gundog, Sporting Group

Terms To Describe: Strong, character, soundness, outgoing, smart, kindly, non-aggressive, gentle, hard working, good natured.

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Good watch dog.

They are very friendly.

They want to please.

Great for kids.

She is the most popular breed in the US.

Easy to train.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS

Poor guard dog.

May take up to two and one half years to mature.

They need lots of exercise.

*Other Names Known By: St. Johns Dogs, St. Johns Newfoundland, Lesser Newfoundland

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

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About Author

Both Stewart Richardson & Mitch Endick are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Stewart Richardson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Puppies Dogs. The Author has been involved with dogs for most of his life, including breeding various breeds of dogs, including the Labrador Retriever. Grant feels that there are many Labrador puppy breeders with sites on the internet, and which offer a wealth of infor. Stewart Richardson's top article generates over 1000 views. to your Favourites.

Mitch Endick has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home, Puppies Dogs and Education. Mitch Endick is a short article writer, editor and website developer for the popular pet site petpages.com.

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